A multi agency team on Tuesday destroyed tonnes of seized illicit alcohol and counterfeit goods at the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) in Kisumu, reaffirming the government’s resolve to dismantle illegal trade networks and protect public health.
The destruction exercise, held on June 30, brought together officers from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), the National Police Service, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the Anti Counterfeit Authority (ACA), and other enforcement agencies.
Speaking during the exercise, KRA representative Nancy Chemutai described the destruction as a significant milestone in the fight against illicit trade, saying it underscored the agency’s commitment to safeguarding government revenue while preventing harmful products from reaching consumers.
“Today marks a major milestone in the fight against illicit alcohol. It is not only a victory for KRA but for all government agencies working together to combat illegal trade. It demonstrates our commitment to protecting tax revenue and ensuring illicit products do not find their way into the market,” she said.
Chemutai said the operation also protects legitimate manufacturers from unfair competition posed by counterfeit and smuggled products while shielding consumers from unsafe goods.
“These products are unfit for human consumption because of how they are manufactured. Our objective is to ensure that Kenyans consume only genuine and safe products,” she added.
She assured the public that the crackdown would continue, emphasizing that KRA and its partners remain committed to dismantling illicit trade networks across the country.
Chemutai also acknowledged members of the public for providing crucial intelligence that has enabled enforcement agencies to trace, seize and destroy illegal products.
“We highly appreciate the information we receive from the public. Their intelligence enables our teams to respond quickly and seize these products. Investigations are also ongoing to identify and prosecute those behind their manufacture and importation,” she said.
NACADA representative Sarah Akoske warned that the widespread availability of cheap illicit alcohol is driving substance abuse among young people, with cases increasingly being reported in primary schools.
“Illicit brews are usually much cheaper than legitimate products, making them easily accessible to young people. That is why we are witnessing increasing cases of substance abuse even in primary schools,” she said.
Akoske further revealed that some drug traffickers are disguising narcotics in attractive products such as sweetened cookies sold near schools to lure children into addiction.
Regional Anti Counterfeit Authority Manager Tom Muteti said destroying confiscated goods is the only way to ensure they never find their way back into the market.
He noted that counterfeit alcoholic products fuel alcoholism because they are sold at extremely low prices, making them attractive to consumers.
Kisumu County Commissioner Mohamed Ramadhan said the joint operation reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to eliminating illicit alcohol and counterfeit products from circulation.
“We destroy these products to ensure they never re enter the market. Some of the alcohol was smuggled into the country illegally and sold at very low prices, creating unfair competition for genuine, tax compliant businesses,” Ramadhan said.
He warned that many illicit alcoholic drinks contain dangerous substances that pose serious health risks and disproportionately target young people because of their affordability.
“These illicit alcoholic products are extremely dangerous. Their low prices make them attractive to young people, and that is exactly what we are determined to stop,” he said.
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